Source: Private Banker International
360 ONE Asset, the investment arm of wealth management firm 360 ONE WAM, is rolling out a ₹500 crore venture capital (VC) fund to invest into early stage startups in India. This indicates 360 ONE’s increasing focus on India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
The VC fund will invest in the seed and Series A rounds (to back + invest into startups at the very start of their journey). 360 ONE will back startups in multiple sectors, which include consumer technology, financial technology (fintech), generative artificial intelligence (AI), space technology (spacetech), defence and precision manufacturing.
360 ONE Asset said that this fund is part of a larger fund in which 360 ONE would incorporate their “Idea to IPO” investment strategy. This means that 360 ONE will assist startups in their early stages and all the way through public listing. The fund is supported by the firm’s extensive $3 billion private equity platform giving them the strength and experience needed to support young businesses on their journey of growth.
“As India approaches its next wave of startup-led economic transformation, 360 ONE Asset’s early-stage strategy aims to be at the forefront, identifying, backing and shaping the companies that will define the next generation of unicorns,” said Sameer Nath, CIO & Head, Private Equity & Venture Capital, 360 ONE Asset.
Up until now, the fund has already secured four distinctive investments, including:
- A hybrid-casual gaming company that quickly reached 10 million mobile game downloads in three months for Indian users.
- A hot sauce brand looking to bring Indian flavors worldwide.
- A software company developing a “mutual fund AMC in a box” platform to better manage mutual funds.
- A space tech company developing advanced radar systems funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Abhishek Nag, Senior Fund Manager and Strategy Head for Early-Stage VC at 360 ONE Asset, “We follow a disciplined investment process with rigorous diligence, clear value creation plans and defined exit strategies. We also offer active co-investment opportunities for strategic partners, all while staying focused on long-term macro trends like domestic consumption, financial infrastructure, healthcare, AI-led services and deep tech innovation,”
The fund is supported by an advisory board of seasoned entrepreneurs and tech executives that includes Gaurav Kushwaha, Nigel Vaz, Vaibhav Domkundwar, and Ashwin Mittal. Their perspectives should help direct the fund’s investment decisions.
With this ₹500 crore fund, 360 ONE Asset is looking to fund bold ideas and arm the next generation of successful startups in India.
